PTI Blog

An axe or machete, a small woodworking knife and a folding saw would serve you better if you have the room in your pack, but if you want to carry just one tool, a well balanced camp or bowie knife is a good option in many areas of the U.S.

If you do choose the One Tool Option, you will be in good company. Most indigenous peoples around the world carry just one blade and it is usually a big one, like a machete, bolo, parang, kukuri, etc. The men of these groups would traditionally go off on multi-day hunting trips with only one large knife. Remember, it's not the only thing they have to carry and weight carried equals calories used; so there is going to be a tradeoff between tools carried and ease of travel.

Blades discussed in this article: (Top) CRKT Kangee T-Hawk. (From Left to Right) Cold Steel Gurkha Kurki Plus, Ontario OKC Kukri, Ontario SP10 Marine Raider Bowie, Ontario SP5 Survival Bowie, Becker BK5, Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist, Cold Steel OSI, Cold Steel Rajah 2.

Here are some of the knives I’ve chosen for my wife to carry for daily use as well as her protection, based on my 40+ years teaching Filipino martial arts and 30+ years in law enforcement.

I was asked recently for my recommendation for an Every Day Carry knife (a.k.a. EDC). The parameters were that this knife should be capable for sel...